SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

I have what therapists like to call reactive skin. It goes red if you look at it strangely. The kind that looks like you have some terrible affliction, but all you’ve done is scratch yourself.It’s not all bad, though, because it does mean my circulation is great, so swings and roundabouts. And while it doesn’t bother me, it can get annoying if you need to look presentable. Exercise is the worst. After a 5 minute warm up, I look like I’ve just run the Marathon des Sables. Cold weather is the other thing that makes my skin flush. Add wind chill factor to the mix, and my cheeks actually start to sting.

I used to rely on Clinique’s Redness Relief Emergency Cream, but as is so often the case, they discontinued this great product. I’m not missing it now, though, thanks to SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque (R1125).

Developed to instantly calm and soothe red and irritated skin, the formula contains some fast acting botanical extract actives in the form of thyme, olive, cucumber as well as a Dipeptide to immediately cool the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin.

The masque is a wonder product on its own, but they have come up with a concept to up the ante. I’m sure you’ve seen that personalisation is the newest luxury in almost every market. By layering other additives with the masque, you can customize your skin treatment to best suit your immediate skincare concerns.

For me, that is nearly always hydration, so I add a few drops of Hydrating B5 (the best hydrating serum I’ve ever used). But if your skin is super irritated you could add some of the Phyto Corrective serum, or the Retexturing Activator if dullness was your worry.

I normally use it once or twice a week for 20 minutes, but if I’ve been outdoors all day or have had a peel, I apply it as an overnight treatment, and wake up looking like I’ve had a facial.

Of course, you could just apply the serum after you’ve used the masque, but I feel this is the adult equivalent of playing shop – you get to play scientist with your skincare.